The iconic building at the corner of Národní and Spálená streets, now known as Máj Národní, is beginning a new chapter in its history. Opening to the public on Monday, June 24th, the building has undergone a two-year renovation to transform the original monofunctional department store Máj into Máj Národní, a modern center of entertainment, games, and experiences. Spanning nine floors with a total area of over 17,000 square meters, the space now offers shops, top-notch gastronomy, and a unique amusement park for all generations.
In 2019, the department store Máj was purchased by the development company AMADEUS Real Estate. From the outset, they decided on a significant renovation and enlisted the original two authors, architects Martin Rajniš and Johny Eisler, to collaborate. The main architect of the renovation was AGE project. The authors managed to find suitable architectural and technical solutions for the new modern functions of the building while preserving its cultural heritage value, which it acquired in 2006. The reconstruction, costing over 4.5 billion Czech crowns, was carried out by the construction company Metrostav.
The construction site was handed over for implementation on July 1, 2022. Preparatory work was immediately initiated, including demolition work to clear the building of non-load-bearing structures, pipes, technologies, and electrical installations. Additionally, the removal of structures containing asbestos fibers located on all roofs, facades, and other parts of the building had to be carefully and meticulously managed in collaboration with the Regional Hygiene Station.
Demolition work was completed by demolishing two load-bearing cores that formed the reinforcement of the entire building. The extensive demolition work was necessitated by the change in functional use – the original monofunctional department store Máj was transformed into the modern multi-purpose center Máj Národní.
During the demolition work, it was necessary to address the temporary reinforcement of the building and secure parts of the existing cores that needed to be preserved. An efficient tower crane had to be erected in the original air handling shaft to supply the entire construction site. Subsequently, work commenced on new masonry, drywall, steel, and reinforced concrete structures, including new reinforcement cores, concrete slab reinforcement, and new structures throughout the building. In addition to the load-bearing structures, additional reinforcement with carbon lamellas was carried out, all new installations were completed, and new technologies were installed on each floor. Following the completion of the rough construction work, intensive work was undertaken to realize individual rental units and install final interior elements.
AMADEUS Real Estate has been operating in the market for over 30 years. In addition to Máj Národní, their current major projects include AMESIDE in Plzeň, where they are preparing the construction of a new urban district. In Prague, they own and operate office and residential spaces in Vlastina Street in Prague 6. They are also responsible for the reconstruction of their Palác Bristol building, originally from the late 19th century, in Dlouhá Street in Prague 1. The company is owned by brothers Václav and Martin Klánovi, who lead the company’s board of directors.
Máj Národní opened to the public on June 24th. The first underground floor will once again house a Tesco hypermarket. The first and second above-ground floors will be occupied by tenants in categories such as restaurants, cafes, florists, accessories, and drugstores.
The floors dedicated to entertainment, culture, and education are operated by the company Infinite Experience Prague. The third and fourth floors feature the most modern racing simulators, mini-golf, darts, and billiards. The fifth floor is home to the family amusement park Lvíčkov. From this autumn, the sixth floor will host the Back in Time exhibition, which will trace a journey back in time through history. The seventh floor will offer an experiential store with superheroes. The eighth floor houses the Fly Vista restaurant, offering unique views of Prague, which can also be enjoyed from the ninth floor, where a panoramic terrace sits 40 meters above the ground.
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